Tagimoucia Ranadi lifted the women’s cup at the 2026 Sports Tok Niu Power 7s after a commanding 15–0 victory over Papua New Guinea’s Silver Sirens in the final last weekend in Port Moresby. The win marks a clear turnaround for the Fijian outfit, which arrived in PNG as a full squad and produced a string of decisive performances to claim the tournament’s top prize.
Speaking from Port Moresby, team founder and manager Ana Rabuka said the triumph felt especially sweet after the hardships the side endured at last year’s event. “Last year we had some travel complications — particularly transit visa issues through Brisbane — where only three players were able to get through to the tournament, forcing the team to recruit local players,” Rabuka said. Despite that setback, the patched-up side managed to win the Bowl competition in 2025; this year, arriving intact made all the difference.
Rabuka credited unity and experience for the 2026 success. Many of the squad were competing internationally for the first time and had never played on a stage as large as the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. “Nerves showed on day one, but as the tournament progressed, the squad settled in and became ‘unstoppable’ by the second and third days,” she said, adding that the full complement of players allowed the team to execute its game plan and dominate opponents en route to the final.
The Fijian diaspora in PNG and supporters back home played a role in lifting the squad’s spirits, Rabuka said, with vocal backing contributing to confidence on the field. After the final whistle, players and management were already fielding invitations to other international tournaments, though Rabuka emphasised those offers will hinge on logistics and future arrangements before any commitments are made.
Despite the celebratory mood, the team’s immediate priorities are modest and family-focused. Rabuka said the players are eager to return home to celebrate with relatives, while keeping their thoughts with loved ones still affected by a recent cyclone. She confirmed the team and staff are safe in PNG and are preparing to bring the cup back to Fiji.
The Cup victory moves Tagimoucia Ranadi from last year’s Bowl winners to this year’s tournament champions, a development that should raise the profile of the side and potentially open doors to further international competition. For now, the squad will savour the title, reunite with family, and weigh next steps as invitations arrive.
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